Could Seoul Encourage a Meeting Between Trump and Kim on APEC's Sidelines?
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Synopsis
South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young calls for a pivotal meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump during the upcoming APEC summit in Seoul. This opportunity could pave the way for peace on the Korean Peninsula if both leaders can engage in dialogue.
Key Takeaways
- Chung Dong-young emphasizes the importance of dialogue between North Korea and the US.
- The upcoming APEC summit offers a significant chance for peace talks.
- Trump and Kim have a history of meetings, but challenges remain.
- Possible signs of contact between the two nations are emerging.
- Denuclearization discussions have stalled since the last summit.
Seoul, Oct 24 (NationPress) South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young urged the leaders of North Korea and the United States to seize a pivotal opportunity for dialogue during next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.
The upcoming visit of US President Donald Trump to South Korea on October 29-30 for the APEC meeting has led to speculation regarding a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, although reports suggest that the likelihood of such an encounter remains slim, according to the Yonhap News Agency.
"The leaders of North Korea and the US should not let this moment pass. They need to make a decisive choice," Chung stated during a press briefing, emphasizing that a possible meeting between Kim and Trump could serve as a significant step towards achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula.
He further pointed out that if the opportunity for talks in South Korea is missed, it will complicate the logistics of arranging a meeting between the two leaders in the future.
During his first term, Trump met with Kim three times, including two summits in Singapore in June 2018 and in Hanoi in February 2019, along with a brief encounter at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019.
Chung mentioned that there is currently no confirmed information about ongoing contacts between North Korea and the US but noted that there are signs indicating both sides may be preparing for potential discussions.
The minister observed North Koreans engaging in cleanup activities at the North's facility in Panmunjom and mentioned the U.N. Command had suspended trips to the truce village until next week.
"In Panmunjom, we have observed North Koreans cleaning their facility, tending to flowerbeds, and taking photographs," Chung reported, adding that these activities were detected within the last week.
This marked the first instance of cleanup operations by the North at the truce village this year.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has expressed a desire to meet with Kim "sometime this year."
At a significant parliamentary meeting in September, Kim conveyed that he holds "good memories" of Trump and remains amenable to dialogue with the US, provided Washington retracts its demands regarding North Korea's denuclearization.
Discussions about denuclearization have been stagnant since the Hanoi summit concluded without an agreement due to differences over the conditions for easing U.S. sanctions.
Point of View
I believe that fostering dialogue between the US and North Korea is essential for maintaining stability in the region. The forthcoming APEC summit presents a unique opportunity for both leaders to engage in meaningful communication, which could ultimately lead to a more peaceful Korean Peninsula. It is vital that both nations approach this potential meeting with openness and a genuine willingness to resolve their differences.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the APEC summit in relation to US-North Korea relations?
The APEC summit represents a crucial platform for dialogue, providing an opportunity for leaders to address pressing issues, including North Korea's denuclearization and regional stability.
Has there been any recent communication between the US and North Korea?
There are no confirmed communications at this time, but signs indicate both sides may be preparing for potential discussions.
What past meetings have occurred between Trump and Kim?
Trump and Kim have met three times, including two summits in Singapore and Hanoi, along with a brief encounter at Panmunjom.
What are the main obstacles to denuclearization talks?
Key challenges include disagreements over the conditions for lifting US sanctions and North Korea's demands.
What actions have been observed in North Korea recently?
Recent observations include North Koreans engaged in cleanup work at facilities in Panmunjom, indicating possible preparations for dialogue.
